Finding My Vocation by William Boekestein

Finding My Vocation offers a concise yet comprehensive guide for Christian teens considering their first steps into adulthood.

Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling by William Boekestein. Reformed Free Publishing, 2024, 138 pages plus notes.

Reading Level: Teen, ages 15-18

Recommended for: ages 12-18

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a question often asked of elementary-age kids, often met with answers like firefighter, ballerina, astronaut, or (more recently) social-media influencer. By high school age, we should be asking, “No, really—do you have any idea what you might want to do with your life once you’re on your own? Or even what you might be good at?”

Too often, teens don’t spend a lot of time pondering these important questions. Too often, they may not even be encouraged to do so by parents or influential grownups. It may be assumed in your family that your high school junior will soon be applying to colleges, with or without a goal in mind. But higher education has become too costly to serve as a way station for teens transitioning to grownups. Careful consideration beforehand will save money, time, and stress. And careful consideration is what Finding My Vocation is all about.

The author, who began his work experience in construction and later found his own vocation as a pastor, divides the guide into three main sections. Pondering addresses the distinctions between “vocation” and occupation, the inherent goodness of work, and how Christians glorify God in their work: “Our work is not how we say, ‘Please’—God, give me the reward of my labor. Instead it is how we say, ‘Thank you.’”

Preparing shows teens how they can start developing the skills they’ll need for future employment. Some of these are general, such as communicating effectively, solving problems, and working with a team. Others are particular to the individual, starting with a principle that should be obvious, but often isn’t: “You need to be good at something before you can expect a good job.”  Finally, Practicing encourages readers to develop a work ethic now, which includes biblical money management, as well as a facet of adult life many grownups don’t consider seriously enough: a “Theology of Rest.”

The Appendix addresses “Questions about Vocation” that will come up now or later, including college, military service, and pastoral calling. This would be a good book for parents and teens to read together, perhaps more than once. But definitely as high school students begin their senior year.

NOTE: Watch for our interview with Bill Boekestein next week!

Bottom Line: A practical yet profound guide for young Christians seeking a meaningful life. Order Finding My Vocation from Reformed Free Press or one of the options below.

Also at Redeemed Reader:

• Reviews: We’ve reviewed several of William Boekestein’s books on historical Christian creeds, like The Westminster Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort.
• Resource: See our interview with Gene Edward Veith, professor emeritus at Patrick Henry College, for thoughts about college and vocation.  
• Reflection: My own thoughts about launching a teen into adulthood: The Graduate.

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